Level 3 Unveils Asian Expansion

Announces plans for facilities in Seoul, Taipei

By Rich Miller
CarrierHotels News Staff

July 11, 2000 -- Level 3 Communications, Inc. today announced plans to expand its Asian operations into Taipei, Taiwan and Seoul, South Korea.
Level 3 President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Crowe outlined the company's Asian expansion strategy in a Hong Kong a press conference. Level 3 is preparing to launch Internet and communications services in Hong Kong and Tokyo.
Crowe said that he believes there is tremendous opportunity for Level 3 in Taiwan and Korea due to the pace of innovation and technology leadership in both countries.
"With millions of Internet users and more than 100 Internet service providers (ISPs) all requiring bandwidth, Taiwan is one of the most active Internet markets in Asia,'' said Crowe. "It has a strong technology track record and good geographical location, which positions it favorably to be an Internet hub in the region."
Korea is also experiencing rapid growth.
" For an Internet enabler and broadband infrastructure company like Level 3, it makes perfect sense for us to be there.'' Crowe added. "We are seeing Korea leap frogging a lot of technologies and leading the industry in terms of Web-enabled services such as video streaming, video conferencing, and rollout of wireless Internet access."
Level 3's initial plans include the construction of facilities it calls "Gateways,'' which provide colocation space where Web-centric companies can locate their equipment and connect directly to the Level 3 network.
Level 3 said it will connect its Korean and Taiwanese Gateways to Hong Kong, Tokyo and the rest of the company's global network via its North Asian undersea fiber-optic cable system.
The company said its expansion into these important markets is fully pre-funded as part of its global business plan. Level 3 expects to begin offering broadband services to ISPs, ASPs) and other Web-centric companies in Taiwan and Korea by the second half of 2001.